Telangana Govt To Distribute 1.05cr Smart Ration Cards to Beneficiaries in Aug

Hyderabad: The Telangana government is set to roll out compact Smart Ration Cards with QR codes for over 1.05 crore ration cardholder families, with printing completed and dispatch to districts underway. The formal launch date is awaited, pending a decision by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, official sources said.

The distribution is expected to be launched at an event in Hyderabad, with ministers and MLAs overseeing rollout in districts and constituencies. Though the date is yet to be finalised, officials indicated it may begin in the first week of August or on August 15. The cards reportedly carry photographs of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy.

The new cards, introduced in a compact format for the first time in the state, are waterproof and tear-resistant. They display the cardholder’s name, address and photograph, with a QR code providing access to details of family members and transaction history of commodities such as rice, sugar and wheat.

Beneficiaries can access rations at fair price shops by scanning the QR code or entering the card number, followed by biometric authentication by any eligible family member. They are required to download the T-Ration app, link the card using an OTP and create an M-PIN. Officials said the Civil Supplies Department will bear the cost of printing, and beneficiaries will not be charged.

Telangana has 1,05,42,188 ration cards covering 3,39,96,239 beneficiaries. The Smart Ration Cards are aimed at improving access to beneficiary data and streamlining distribution.

The civil supplies department has directed officials to complete 100 per cent e-KYC of beneficiaries by July 31. Around five lakh beneficiaries are yet to complete the process, officials said.

Special teams have been tasked with dividing areas into sectors and sub-sectors, with checking inspectors appointed as in-charges. Camps will be organised with support from local representatives, welfare associations, voluntary organisations, Anganwadi staff and ASHA workers.

Officials have also been directed to identify deceased or migrated beneficiaries and prepare proposals to remove their names from ration cards. Ration shop working hours may be extended to facilitate e-KYC. Beneficiaries yet to complete the process have been asked to visit their nearest ration shop and complete biometric verification before the deadline.